B Basic life support for health care providers Description The steps of basic life support (BLS) consist of a series of actions and skills performed by the rescuer or rescuers…
V Vaginal, cervical, and vulvar infections Definition Infection and inflammation of the vagina, cervix, and vulva commonly occur when the natural defenses of the acid vaginal secretions (maintained by sufficient…
A Amputation Description An amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. An estimated 2 million people in the United States are living with limb loss….
C Chemotherapy Description Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals as a systemic therapy for cancer. It is a mainstay of cancer treatment for most solid tumors and hematologic malignancies (e.g.,…
T Tracheostomy Description A tracheostomy is a surgically created stoma (opening) in the trachea to establish an airway. It is used to (1) bypass an upper airway obstruction, (2) facilitate…
R Raynaud’s phenomenon Description Raynaud’s phenomenon is an episodic vasospastic disorder of the small cutaneous arteries, most frequently involving the fingers and toes. It occurs primarily in young women (typically…
U Ulcerative colitis Description Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disorder that, along with Crohn’s disease, is referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). See Inflammatory Bowel Disease, p. 352, for…
G Gastritis Description Gastritis, an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, is one of the most common problems affecting the stomach. Gastritis may be acute or chronic and diffuse or localized….
L Lactase deficiency Description Lactase deficiency is a condition in which the lactase enzyme that breaks down lactose into two simple sugars (glucose and galactose) is deficient or absent. Primary…
R Radiation therapy Description Radiation therapy is one of the oldest methods of cancer treatment. Delivery of high-energy beams, when absorbed into tissue, produces ionization of atomic particles. The energy…
